Fishing & Boating in Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven

From peaceful rivers, inlets and waterways to the vibrant Jervis Bay Marine Park, the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast has a slice of paradise to suit any angler or boatie. Enjoy sailing to a white sand beach, fishing in crystal clear waters, and hiring a kayak or boat and exploring unspoiled waterways.

Canoe on a bank of the Shoalhaven River, upstream of the Tallowa Dam in Tallong, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven

Cruising Jervis Bay

Spot bottlenose dolphins and stop at a secluded beach for lunch on a group cruise or private charter with Discover Jervis Bay Luxury Sailing. Dolphin Watch Cruises also offer swimming, snorkelling and dolphin-watch experiences. From May to November, join a whale-watching tour departing from Huskisson.

Couple enjoying a day of kayaking on the Shoalhaven River near Nowra, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven

Kayaking & boating

Meander down the sheltered waters of Currambene Creek on Jervis Bay Wild's Pontoon Boat, or explore the inlets south of Jervis Bay by hiring a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Sussex Inlet Marine Centre. A large coastal lake, St Georges Basin also has excellent boating facilities.

You can also hire a boat or kayak from South Coast Retreatat Greenwell Point and explore the scenic Shoalhaven and Crookhaven rivers, travelling up through beautiful bushland and escarpments. More than 50km of the Shoalhaven River is navigable by boat and a great way to immerse yourself in nature.

The Sussex Inlet and Basin Yacht Club and Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club hold races and regattas year-round. You can watch from the shore or bring your own boat to compete. Vincentia Sailing Club races small catamarans most Sundays from September to April.

Couple enjoying a romantic day on the water with luxury sailing charter Discover Jervis Bay.

Top fishing experiences

With freshwater lakes, rivers, beaches and open seas, the Shoalhaven region is a fishing heaven. Jervis Bay Marine Park ensures ocean conservation, while allowing recreational fishers plenty to enjoy. The bay is famous for its land-based game fishing or Simos Afloat can take you on a deep sea fishing tour.

Another top spot for deep sea fishing is Ulladulla, a commercial fishing harbour since the 1800s. Jump on a deep sea charter with Ulladulla Fishing Charters for a chance to catch marlin, tuna or jewfish. Freshwater enthusiasts should head to Tallowa Dam and the upper Shoalhaven River.

Alternatively, throw a line in at Lake Conjola, Lake Tabourie and Burrill Lake, all relaxed options for those who want to make a day of it fishing from a kayak or tinny. St Georges Basin is a sheltered South Coast estuary, which teems with bream, flathead and tailor. It’s best explored around the edges by boat.

Fishing Safety

By law, you are required to wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest while rock fishing in some areas of NSW, and it is recommended that you wear a buoyancy vest for lake, river and sea fishing. Please see the Water Safety NSW website for more details.

Please consider the following safety tips when fishing:

Choose a safe place where there are no hazards
Be very careful when walking on rocks as they can be slippery, and rogue waves can be unpredictable.
Never fish alone and always watch the waves
Be aware of the tides and weather
Wear appropriate footwear, clothing and head protection.
Carry a float and line to help anyone washed in

Follow these additional safety tips at all times when rock fishing:

Never turn your back on the sea or ocean
Tell family or friends of your plans
Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and scan for changing conditions.
Check tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas.
Carry safety gear such as ropes, a float and torches.
Note the location of and access to life buoys where they are present
Plan an escape route in case you're washed in
Don't put yourself at risk if someone else is washed into the water
Carry a mobile phone